Decision Support in the Investment Analysis on Efficient and Sustainable Electrical Equipment

Abstract

Considering the current global economic situation and the rising energy costs, all contributions to the reduction in energy consumption will be relevant. In electrical installations, energy consumption can be reduced by reducing losses in the conductors, associated with the efficiency of equipments, allowing a better use of the installed power, which can be an important issue when using renewable energies. The losses in the conductors are proportional to the square of the resistance and current. These must be analysed in conjunction with all loads that contribute to the current in the sections of the installation. When replacing equipment in distribution boxes output by more efficient ones, the current decreases in sections covered with the most significant power loss due to proportionality with the square of the current. This decrease, often forgotten, is recorded in this work and included in the investment analysis on efficiency and sustainable electrical equipment. This analysis, combined with the features and operating parameters of electrical installation, accounts for all the gains that can make a difference in the choice of efficient equipment.